Watch: Barcelona denied clear goal after ball crosses line

Barcelona were denied a clear goal against Real Betis on Sunday when the officials failed to spot the ball had crossed the goal-line.

Alex Alegria had fired Betis into a surprise lead 15 minutes from time at the Benito Villamarin, but Barça thought they had levelled almost immediately when Aleix Vidal’s cross was diverted towards goal and over the line despite the efforts of Aissa Mandi.

Incredibly, the goal was not given, but Luis Enrique’s side rescued a point in the 90th minute when Luis Suarez slotted home after Lionel Messi had robbed substitute Matias Nahuel of the ball just outside the Betis penalty area.

Barça’s failure to win means Real Madrid will move four points clear of their rivals with a game in hand if they beat Real Sociedad later on Sunday.

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Vidal told fcbarcelona.com of the goal Barça were denied: “It was a very serious error, but the referees aren’t to blame. If we could use Hawkeye then we wouldn’t be talking about this now.”